We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort – reviews, photos

3.0 of 5
Highland Resort, Aviemore | Inverness-shire, Aviemore PH22 1PN, Scotland
Hotel amenities
No photo provided
Ranked #5 of 7 hotels in Aviemore
3.5 of 5 stars 219 Reviews
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

219 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Very good(11)
  • Academy hotel(5)
  • Swimming pool(5)
  • Leisure facilities(5)
  • Aspects restaurant(4)
  • Fun factory(3)
  • Food court(3)
  • Long time(3)
Traveller rating
    45
    54
    53
    33
    34
Only show reviews for Family (80) | Couples (62) | Business (10)
Date Rating
Fife
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
“Questionable 4 Star But Great Location For Sporting Activities”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 November 2011

We have stayed in several MacDonald hotels but the Highland is one of the poorer in the group. However , what has to be borne in mind that this is a resort hotel situated in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park and catering for year round activities such as walking, cycling, golfing and skiing. As such, it is very much a family hotel with significant numbers of children running around.
The bedroom was comfortable but the furniture is outdated. The bathroom was functional but one of the smallest we have experienced in a 4 star hotel.
We had dinner in Giovannis and breakfast in Aspects restaurant. Both dining experiences were very enjoyable with well presented food served by attentive and well trained staff.
Because it is a resort hotel it tends to be noisy with "party goers" going to bed late at night or early in the morning and a good tip to improve sleep quality is to pack a pair of earplugs.

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask joabil about Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
aberdeen
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“bring your own fire wood!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 November 2011
5
people found this review helpful

we have just returned from a short break in the lodges at aviemore. I have only one point to make and that is the supply of fire wood for the wood burner we were given a basket and once it was fininshed found that the log store was empty called reception thay came with more wood but only enough for one night at the most! so another call was made the next day and yes one more basket was given for the night so we just got fed up asking after that.when we checked out we were told that they only supply wood for the first night and you have to go and purchase your own wood but both there website and booklet in the lodge says there is a supply of wood. sounds petty but it is november and its nice to have the fire on.

the food in the hotel is very good as is the service from the staff in the foodcourt ,very helpful but drinks prices is way overpriced.

we have been going back to this resort for a number of years but i think we will not return or maybe not for a while anyway may try the hotel in coylumbridge next as we like the area very much.

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by happyfamilyAberdeen for Aviemore
Ask happyfamilyAberdeen about Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
“Highland Hotel at the MacDonald Highland Resort Aviemore”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 November 2011

Just came back from a fantastic 2 days in the Highland Hotel in the MacDonald Resort at Aviemore. Staff were friendly and extrememly helpful. We ate in both the Aspect Restuarant and Giovanni's and the service and food were excellent.

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Shona M for Aviemore
Ask Shona M about Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Irvine, United Kingdom
2 reviews
“Wow”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 November 2011

When my husband and I booked for our 2nd visit to the resort this year we could only get booked in to the Academy hotel, however when we arrived we were welcomed by Gordon and he surprised us with an upgrade to a woodland lodge...WOW!
It was absolutely magical. The surrounding area was so peaceful and tranquil. When we entered the lodge there was a lovely fruit basket, scottish snacks and water in the fridge. The first thing that caught my eye however was the wonderful log burner.
Staff yet again were all extremely helpful and made us both feel very welcome.
We had breakfast in Aspects restaurant and recieved excellent service. Breakfast was table service in this restaurant however they had a great selection of continental foods which were all self service. The waiter David (tall, very dark hair from Hungary) never met someone so curtious in all my life. He explained how everything worked and brought our tea and coffee almost instantly. The manager was very bubbly and clearly cares about her staff and communicates with them extremely well. Yet again we were met with Margaret and yet again she made us feel very welcome on the resort.
We dined at Aspects restaurant...the only flaw I had was it was a little chilly in the restaurant. Food was to a very high standard and well presented. Waiting staff were very attentative at all times. David was in the restaurant again and did say hello however our waiter for the evening was Richard. Very efficient young man. Polite and never stops smiling, All in all a wonderful experience was had.
We dined in the lodge the other evening and had all the equipment to do so. Got the log burner on however I think instructions would benefit (men who don't want to ask for help). Housekeeper came and asked us if we wanted the lodge serviced but we turned down as we had only been in one night. Yet again all staff are extremely helpful. My husband used the swimming facilities whilst I sat in the leisure cafe waiting on him. I met Robyn here...a very lively character. Extremely helpful young lady and was an absolute pleasure to meet as she spoke with me and looked after me whilst I waited.
I think you have a great team here and the staff really do care about the customers.
Yet again, thank you for an amazing time and we can't wait to bring the rest of our family here. Keep up the good work and remember you can't please everyone but you do a good job at it from what we've experienced.
Thank you.

Room Tip: If you can spend a little more for a lodge...it is worth every penny.
See more room tips
  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Lillias W about Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Fife
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Excellent location.. poor hotel”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Stayed for a long weekend end of october. Directions on where to go on arrival were quite unclear. On arrival after booking two double rooms for 3 nights we were told we had one room for one night, This was quickly rectified however and we were directed to a separate building for our room. Ok when the weather is fine but not so much in driving rain and wind (we are talking about the scottish highlands remember!) So we get to the rooms, well situated on the top floor and rooms opposite each other and one with a travel cot as requested however both rooms were twin beds, and we were 2 couples. Through out the entire stay most of the lights in the hotel were off and the reception in our particular building was only manned 2 or 3 times out of the dozen or so we passed through. The restaurant (italian) was permanently in darkness and also rarely staffed which caused us to cancel a booking we made and head in to town. Our room was cleaned daily and all towels/teas coffees ect were well stocked each day. Breakfast each morning was a delicious hot buffet which was well stocked at all times and the fried eggs were cooked right in front of you! a huge variety of cooked and cold food was available so i would highly recommend taking breakfast!!! There was lots to do in the complex (swimming pool, steam room sauna ect, Technogym and Spa Indoor kids play area, outside park, dry ski slope!) The pool was quite cool but there is a wave machine and flume which were fun, Sauna/steam room were great!!! Ski slope was closed during entire stay unfortunately as i wanted to use it but there was a sign to say if you travelled to a nearby village use of a ski slope there was provided! The resort itself is very well located in the center of aviemore and within walking distance of some great restaurants (Roos Leap and Papa Rock are a must!) and there is a huge amount to do in the surrounding areas loads of trails to walk, fishing ponds with rod hire and a rainbow trout feeding pool, loads of bike and ski hire available, a trip to the Ptarmigan restaurant at the top of the cairngorms is also great fun! In conclusion the location and surrounding area is excellent and the hotel is well situated but the hotel itself really isnt great. Old rather shabby decor, wardrobes in bedroom were terrible, doors not even on runners and were made of ancient deteriorating wood. poor staffing levels all of which we encountered were of eastern european origin and communication was quite difficult although most the staff were incredibly pleasant! If all you need for your visit is a bed for the night and some breakfast in the morning then this accomodation is as good as any, However i would suggest visiting during a busy period as this would hopefully mean increased staff levels and availability of all facilities.

Room Tip: Travel in high season!!
See more room tips
  • Stayed October 2011, travelled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask kyle b about Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Travellers are raving about these Aviemore hotels

No photo provided
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d579978?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Tigh na Sgiath Country House Hotel
5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d503250?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
No photo provided
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d483744?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
High Range Hotel
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1491974?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
No photo provided
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1106653?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton

Travellers who viewed Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort also viewed

Macdonald Highlands Hotel
3.5 of 5 stars 154 Reviews
Aviemore, Badenoch and Strathspey
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d193955?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Hilton Coylumbridge - Aviemore
3.5 of 5 stars 459 Reviews
Aviemore, Badenoch and Strathspey
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d229018?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
The Aviemore Inn
3.5 of 5 stars 42 Reviews
Aviemore, Badenoch and Strathspey
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d569246?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
View all 7 hotels in Aviemore, ranked by popularity »

Been to Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort

  • Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel
Address: Highland Resort, Aviemore | Inverness-shire, Aviemore PH22 1PN, Scotland
Price range (per night):* INR6,799 - 36,280

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices